This event was the 11th annual 5k held to raise money for RI Special Olympics. This 5k is unlike any other because one simple fact: It’s hosted by a bar.

The Mews Tavern along with local brewers (Sam Adams and Newport Storm to name a few) provides free beer and food to all the runners before and after the race. This unique aspect of the event attracts runners from all over the northeast to the race. This year over 1500 people ran in the race. For final race results click here!

To help raise money for Special Olympics, the Tavern also holds a raffle for various items after the race. Ticket sheets cost 20 dollars and all of the proceeds went to Special Olympics. The raffle items were donated by local businesses and included “gear” such as a mountain bike, a snowboard, a winter surfing setup, and various alcohol related promotional items. Through ticket sales, the tavern was able to raise over $5,000 for the Special Olympics.

I was hoping to win one of these coolers for my apartment....

The 5k was a great event and it helped raise a lot of money for Special Olympics. The runners’ dedication certainly inspired me to get running again and shed some more of that beer weight. This event proved to me that YES, you can be healthy and still drink like a man. Proof: I saw some of the sub 20- minute finishers run straight from the finish line to the kegs.